Medical expert of the article
New publications
Corn
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
To date, corn has proved itself as the best product. It is tasty, healthy and easy to prepare. In addition, this product has a lot of positive qualities and is even able to help cope with many diseases. More details about the queen of fields will be discussed below.
Corn Day
In fact, the day of corn - this is far from a myth or fiction of cunning advertising people who are trying to sell the product at any price! It is a holiday that, along with all the rest, has been celebrated in Mexico for more than 300 years.
According to the ancient belief, the gods, giving away the riches of the Earth to people, allowed everyone to choose a tidbit for themselves. Indians, however, without thinking twice, chose this vegetable - bright sun cobs, of which even baked bread. In the future, it has more than once rescued nomadic tribes from hunger, because it is well kept, quickly causes a sense of saturation, and also involves a dozen cooking options.
In fact, this day is the praise of the goddess Centeotl, as well as the universal merriment. The color of this marvelous product automatically implies the absence of sadness and carelessness. Nights, people who have come to the celebration all day in national costumes, sing and have fun, without forgetting, at the same time, to taste dishes based on maize.
[1]
Caloric content of corn
Such an indicator as the caloric content of corn, it is enough simply to check with the help of the corresponding tables. Often this value fluctuates around 100 Kcal per 100 g of product. However, this value is relevant only for raw vegetables.
In the event that the vegetable is amenable to any treatment, the indicator will invariably increase. It should also be noted that caloric content plays far from the most important role. Picking for themselves the right diet, a person should correctly distribute food between meals, combine it in a certain order.
To consult in this question follows with the dietician who can pick up for the patient the unique true variant. For example, sitting on a corn diet, the caloric content of this product should be completely forgotten. After all, he is the main key in the world of harmony and harmony with his body. Despite the fact that this vegetable contains a high percentage of carbohydrates! Her calorie content in this case is the last thing that attention will be paid to.
[2]
Caloric content of cooked corn
The evaluation of the parameter "caloric value of boiled corn" may depend on a variety of factors. First of all, this is the calorie content of the vegetable itself, which is approximately equal to 100 kcal. However, the calculation does not end there. In the event that it is brewed according to a traditional recipe, its energy value is increased to 125 Kcal. If we are talking about recipes with the addition of butter, the caloricity of the maize itself should be added and the caloric content of the remaining ingredients.
Of course, caloric content plays a special role if the taker is sitting on the strictest diet. Having pampered yourself with this product, it is not necessary after exhausting yourself with debilitating exercises. It is enough only to exclude from the diet for a specific day a product with a similar energy value. Thus, the products are simply mutually replaced, completely unaffected by the figure.
And, of course, do not forget about physical activity, which should be present in the life of each person, regardless of whether inherent in his life the desire to lose weight or not.
[3]
Caloric content of young corn
Often the calorific value has a generally accepted value - about 100 kcal. However, in some cases, it may be slightly different. It all depends on how young the vegetable was.
For conservation, maize is often used, which has hardly reached milky white. It does not have a pronounced flavor, but it blends nicely with marinade and is ideal for an aperitif. This product has the smallest caloric value. In fact, it has not yet matured, and the main energy value will be companion components.
The caloric content of a young maize that has reached a yellowish color can already be considered a traditional value. However, for what, in addition to diet, you need to calculate the calorie value? This value is quite actual in cooking, especially when choosing the right proportions of components.
Any, from the prepared dishes, should be satisfying, but at all not cloying! And only in this case it can be sent to the court of the guests with a firm conviction that it will be pleasant.
Chemical Composition of Corn
As a rule, the chemical composition of maize can not be learned directly when buying. However, this indicator is extremely important! After all, it is on its basis that you can make the right and, most importantly, useful daily ration. The chemical composition is a kind of Mendeleyev's table for each product. It shows what substances are contained in it and in what quantities.
In its composition, you can find the carbohydrates and fats necessary for the normal development of the young organism. Water and amino acids, perfectly nourishing the skin, giving it elasticity and color. In addition, do not forget about microelements, without which the normal functioning of the human body is also not possible.
Zinc, copper, iron and manganese strengthen bone tissue and teeth, and macroelements of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium are responsible for active brain activity. The chemical composition implies the presence of vitamins of groups A, B, PP, K and E. Each of them is a necessary component of the normal functioning of the body.
Glycemic Index of Corn
Such a concept as the glycemic index plays not the least role in organizing proper nutrition. It is a question of the maintenance of sugar which, at superfluous use, can seriously damage the body and cause a number of serious diseases. This vegetable belongs to the category of products with a glycemic index equal to 70. However, this indicator differs only in the raw product!
During the processing, this index can significantly increase. So, the glycemic index of cereals will be 85, and maize, served in boiled form - almost 90.
Based on these data, we can conditionally divide the products into those that have a high glycemic index and, accordingly, low. And in this comparison, maize refers to the first group.
The products in it are distinguished by a high level of carbohydrates, which should be consumed with caution. Of course, completely refusing yourself the pleasure of eating a juicy maize, it's not worth it. However, one should always remember that its glycemic index is quite high.
How to cook corn?
Variation on the topic of how to cook corn today is countless. And one of them is cooking it in a double boiler. First of all, the vegetable should be washed and put into the steamer's form. It is also necessary to pour a glass of cold water directly for the formation of steam. To languish in a double boiler it should not take more than 15 minutes, the old one - up to 40.
Similarly, you can cook maize in a pressure cooker, as well as in a microwave oven, placing it in a special bowl. Quite laborious, but the most delicious option can be called corn in milk and cream. In this case, the boiled milk is added only the grain of the vegetable, without the ears and cooked for 10 minutes. Further, to taste, cream with whipped protein is added and left on fire for another 5 minutes. If necessary, seasonings can be added to the dish.
Such a recipe can not be called classical, and maize in this case will lose its original appearance. However, the resulting porridge will certainly open for tasting new facets of culinary art. Before choosing the best option, it's definitely worth trying each one.
How much to cook corn?
First of all, all depends on the type of product and, of course, on exactly where it will be prepared: in a double boiler, oven or in the traditional form on a burner.
The first two options are universal, used only in a critical situation. Classical sugar grade can be brought to the average for 50 minutes.
As a rule, it should be cooked directly on the day of purchase. In this case, the vegetable will retain its freshness and delicate sweet taste. Immediately before cooking, the vegetable, along with the cobs, should be washed under running water, and put in a pan of cold water, tightly closing the lid.
The dilemma how much to cook corn depends also on how thick the pan is. In light tin cans, water boils extremely quickly, and, hence, maize is cooked for several minutes.
It should also be noted that in the ceramic dishes the vegetable turns out to be more juicy, as it is not boiled, but is brought to the ready gradually. In addition, the fire on the burner should not be too strong, so that it does not burn out for the first time minutes of cooking.
Is it possible to give corn to children?
Beginning the feeding of her child, many women ask themselves the question whether it is possible to give corn to children? And, what is especially important, at what age? Starting from 7 months old baby, as a complementary meal you can give seeds or puree, diluted with water.
As noted by young parents, this lure almost always goes on hurray and causes neither swelling, nor diarrhea. In some cases, it is perceived by the child's organism even better than such a neutral product as potatoes. Concerns that produce baby food, it is recommended to introduce maize in the diet from 6 months.
However, it will be more expedient to produce such dishes independently, because they are guaranteed not to contain concentrates. In some cases, looking for an answer to the question whether it is possible to give maize to children, it would be most expedient for parents to turn to the pediatrician. He, like no other, knowing the organism of the child, will be able to unambiguously determine which foods should be immediately introduced into the diet, and from which, so far, should be discarded.
Corn for Pregnancy
Is corn contraindicated during pregnancy? This question is probably worried by most of the lovers of this product who are in happy expectation of the child. And you can answer this question in a very positive way, because maize is an extremely nutritious product. It allows you to quickly get rid of toxicosis, to normalize yourself and support the body. However, you should consult a doctor beforehand so as not to cause the opposite effect.
As a rule, future mothers can use this vegetable absolutely in any form, without fear of harming themselves or the child. The only thing that should be discarded is a canned product. In its composition, for sure, there are synthesized substances, which during pregnancy the woman tries to avoid.
The most optimal option, in which maize can be used during pregnancy, is porridge, especially with the addition of fruits and vegetables. Thus, the expectant mother can even normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which also, during this period, there may be problems.
Can corn be fed to my mother?
Most women, having given birth to a child, are constantly asking themselves whether it is possible to feed corn to their mother. Say, this is a fairly heavy product, which is extremely difficult to digest. Will it not damage the fragile and still unformed organism of a child who feeds exclusively on mother's milk? As studies are shown - no!
Corn cereals, cooked independently, will eventually be used even for the feeding of a child. And, therefore, it does not matter if they are pampered by a young mother. The only reason why he can refuse it is an individual intolerance. The woman's body after birth can slightly change its habitual preferences.
In some cases, even an allergy, which was not known before, can appear. Therefore, in order to guarantee not to harm yourself and your child, the question is whether the maize nursing mother is allowed, the woman should discuss with her doctor. It is he who, on the basis of clinical studies, will be able to give an unambiguous answer.
Corn for breastfeeding
No one dozen specialists have been engaged in the research of this issue and today they were able to come to an unequivocal opinion.
Due to the high percentage of fiber content, it helps to restore the weakened by pregnancy and childbirth organism. Fiber perfectly nourishes the skin, allowing it to quickly regain its original appearance and even get rid of stretch marks all over the body, which are a serious problem for all young mothers.
In addition, the composition of this vegetable contains an extremely rare enzyme - gold, which is responsible for active brain activity. Using maize, a young mother sates not only her body. She passes the substance to her child. Quite often, after childbirth, a woman may have a disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
In this case, the broth from the stigma, which also has a beneficial effect on the child's body, is very helpful.
Corn in the diet
Often, corn with a diet acts as an auxiliary product. Yes, and very vain! Choosing for yourself a corn diet, you can lose an order of magnitude more than a kilogram, rather than on any other. Its essence lies in the fact that in the first two diets for a day, at least 400 grams of maize is used in absolutely any of its manifestations: cooked, porridge, ragout, salads and mashed potatoes.
The most important thing is not to dilute the meals with other, even favorite foods. In the next two days the amount of maize is reduced to 200 grams per day and combined with meat and fish. As a drink, it is recommended to choose green tea, ideally combined with a corn diet. This diet is among the short-term, allowing you to lose up to 5 kg.
In the event that you plan to stay longer on this vegetable diet, you should definitely seek help from a professional dietician. It is he who will be able to combine this product with a number of others, so that maize in the diet does not cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Can I recover from corn?
The question of whether it is possible to recover from corn, certainly worries all those who are used to watching their figure. However, it is not possible to find an unambiguous answer to this question, alas. Mais is a natural product rich in many vitamins.
They all accelerate the metabolism, promote active brain and physical activity. However, on the other hand, the high percentage of starch in this vegetable may affect negativity. However, this negative aspect of lovers of this vegetable can easily neutralize.
In particular, we are talking about a popular dish of corn cereals - hominy. You can prepare groats for yourself by grinding freshly harvested grain. The resulting powder, before cooking, should be placed in cold water and left in this state for several hours.
Thus, all the excess starch that promotes weight gain will go away. In addition, hominy can be supplemented with a salad of fresh vegetables, which probably will eliminate the possibility of excess weight.
Poisoning with corn
To date, maize poisoning is a very rare phenomenon, and, therefore, only a few face it. In most cases, it occurs exclusively in animals, but, in some cases, can be observed in humans. In particular, this may be due to a violation of the cooking technology. When poisoning is often observed nausea and vomiting, depression and trembling in the limbs. In some cases, a person may have a fever. And in this case it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor who will prescribe a comprehensive treatment.
To cause acute food poisoning can not only a product stored with a violation of technology. Most of the vegetables of the modern market are actively treated with chemicals against pests that can not be categorically perceived by the human body.
In order to get around a poor-quality product, when making a purchase you should be extremely careful! Significantly reduces the risk of poisoning directly into the season, as well as from sellers whose products have a certified quality label.
Corn storage
As a rule, the storage of corn does not cause the average person serious questions. The product does not deteriorate for a long time, it can be kept up to winter. In fact, this is the case. However, some subtleties, nevertheless, exist. The thing is that after 3 to 10 days, maize begins to lose its sweetness. You can eat such a product, of course, but it's unlikely to bring pleasure. You can increase the natural shelf life by freezing.
When defrosting, the taste of this vegetable will not be lost and, most importantly, it can be stored for an indefinite period. However, its storage implies another, more exotic way, invented by amateur gardeners. Carefully washed cobs are placed in a bowl with water. It also adds ice, lemon juice and salt. The resulting mixture along with the cob should be left for 30 minutes. Further, the grains are separated from the sticks and placed in the refrigerator. Maize is stored for up to three weeks.
[21]